If you’re traveling the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of the budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and comfort level
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. Therefore, our aim is to help you save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over the years. For longer trips, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the cost with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, you should consider spending more time in places where you can save more and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel located far from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
Some hotels provide better rates if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Hit the hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to find a deal. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can get away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is the best-season
It’s no surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking sites
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Compare the prices on multiple websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Make sure you sign up for loyalty programs
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where guests can accumulate points and discounts for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can save you money or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for a better rate or extra features. You never know, they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Some booking websites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Check for discounts or offers
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer promotions or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re traveling with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. These establishments may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. So be sure to keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This can be a great option to save money on accommodation while still enjoying your personal space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group, renting a campervan or RV can be the best way to save money on lodging. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and deals that aren’t available to the general public. Additionally, they are able to conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can occasionally save money on each of the components.
Look for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often cozy, clean and secure options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and unique accommodation options, like staying in a private room within a local’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure you check these stores out before purchasing from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations You can usually get great deals on luggage during the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true of retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
Take a look at buying second-hand or refurbished luggage. It’s a great way to save money on top-quality brands and you may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice comfort and safety. If you do a little investigation and creativity you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing discounts in luggage to take on your next trip. By comparing prices and signing up for loyalty programs, making bookings early or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, as well as trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can stretch your budget further and enjoy your trip to the maximum.